Chapter 11: The Obsessed Shadow
Tian Heng did not pay any attention to the oath charged with dark power that Lilith had spoken, nor was he affected by the burning crimson gaze she fixed upon him. His mind had already shifted to evaluating the immediate situation and analyzing the next steps. Obsession, loyalty, debts – these were merely emotional variables that mattered only to the extent that they influenced the usefulness of the being before him as a tool or resource.
With quick and methodical movements, he examined the small cave. It was simple, carved into the rock, with remnants of technology embedded in the walls, the most significant being the broken metal disk that had bound Lilith. There were no other obvious exits except the narrow corridor he had come through and another passage that seemed to continue along the original path of the southern tunnels.
He bent down to examine the human man's corpse quickly and coldly, rifling through his tattered pockets for anything of value – a map, tools, food – but found only some worthless pebbles and a rusty knife. He dismissed the body afterward.
Next, he examined the metal disk that had bound Lilith. It appeared complex and severely damaged. He focused his attention on the core: [Core, analyze this device and its remaining effects.]
A moment passed before the response came into his mind: [Analysis... Third-class energy containment device, heavily damaged. It was drawing life and etheric energy from the target and using it to generate light restraints. The external power source (the human controller) has been terminated. The device is now in a permanently inactive state.]
So, the restraints were completely gone. No remaining danger from the device.
Only now, after securing his understanding of the immediate situation, did Tian Heng cast a brief glance at Lilith, who had managed to struggle to her feet, though she swayed slightly, her eyes never leaving him for a moment. He did not comment on her oath or her gaze but asked in a calm, practical voice, as if inquiring about the condition of a tool: "How severe are your injuries? Can you move?"
A faint and unsettling smile spread across Lilith's crimson lips. She replied with a voice that seemed a mix of seductive whisper and sharp edge, each word carrying an unnatural weight: "These vile shackles drained much... but the body is healing. Your presence... sustains me now. I can follow your lead... my Master... my Being." Her use of the last title was disturbingly intimate and filled with possession.
Tian Heng ignored both the title and the tone entirely, continuing to extract useful information. "This place. Does it lead to richer ether pockets? Do you know anything about this sector of the vault?"
Her crimson eyes flickered brighter for a moment, as if the question pleased her because it connected her usefulness to him. "Yes... yes! The source you seek is near... very near. I know the paths that aren't mapped in this cold machine's charts. The road ahead... where your power will unfold... and mine in its service." She tilted her head slightly, attempting to take a step closer to him, her gaze hungry for attention or touch.
Almost imperceptibly, Tian Heng shifted a small step to the side, maintaining a distance between them. He did not acknowledge her attempt to approach or her words laced with possessiveness. He had gotten the confirmation he needed: the ether was near, and she knew the way. This was her current use to him.
"Good. Stand up. We continue the path." He commanded coldly, then turned without waiting, heading toward the other passage that seemed to continue along the original route. There was no room for discussion or delay.
Lilith paused for a moment, perhaps surprised by his complete indifference and deliberate disregard for her obvious obsession, but obsession itself was the stronger motivator. She quickly followed, now moving with greater steadiness, her wounds still visible but her focused will on him surpassing the pain. She followed him like a shadow, her crimson eyes fixed on his back, an aura of darkness and dangerous loyalty surrounding her.
Tian Heng exited the small cave into the slightly wider tunnel, leaving behind the forgotten body of the man and the broken silence of the tomb. He did not look back to check that Lilith was following; he considered it a foregone conclusion. Now, he was no longer just a lone explorer facing the ruins but had become an unintended leader of an obsessed demonic shadow. He was heading toward the power he desperately needed, but his path was now lined with promises of ether and the dangers of dark loyalty walking directly behind him.